SHAFAQNA- China says it is holding a Canadian man on suspicion of stealing state secrets but has released his wife on bail.

Kevin and Julia Garratt, a Christian couple, run a coffee shop in Dandong on the North Korean border.

They were seized by investigators six months ago. State media said then that they were suspected of stealing secrets about defence and the military.

Canada says it is very concerned about the case and will continue to pursue it.

While we welcome the recent decision to release Julia Garratt, the government of Canada remains very concerned with the detention of Mr Garratt, Reuters quoted a statement from office of Junior Foreign Minister Lynne Yelich as saying.

We have raised the case at the highest levels and will continue to raise it with senior officials.

At a press conference on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Kevin Garratt had been placed in criminal detention on the charge of spying and stealing state secrets .

Julia Garratt had been granted bail pending trial, he said.

The relevant case is under investigation. The Chinese government will protect their lawful rights and interests in accordance with law, Mr Hong added.